One arrest has been made and Rockdale police and the U. S. Secret Service believe they have leads in cases involving a rash of counterfeit 20-dollar bills which have been circulating in Rockdale.
“We’ve probably had 30 instances of phony $20s, and about $600 has been passed,” Police Lt. J. D. Newlin said. Full Story

CHRISTMAS SALUTE Santa and Mrs. Claus (Tony and Barbara Walko), LaNell and Claude Spence salute during a flag-raising honoring veterans which started Friday’s Christmas parade/par ty activities in Rockdale. Full Story

4 races contested on first filing day
Twelve Democrats and two Republicans filed for March 2, 2010, primary ballots on Thursday, the first day to sign up.
Two more Republicans have designated t rea su rers for c ampaigns.
Grand total after one day, four county races w ill be contested in November and there’s already a three-person race in the Democratic Primary. Full Story

Benford, charity get ‘Point of Light’ award
Rockdalian native, and now Austin resident, Elissa Benford received a Point of Light Award at the Presidential Forum on Service in College Station, featuring speeches by President George H.W. Bush and President Barack Obama. Full Story

Mike Stewart is what Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Warren Matous hopes all new recruits are — brave, enthusiastic, and willing to step up to help with fires or menial tasks around the station.
On Monday, Stewart, a three-year volunteer, was named Fireman of the Year at the annual RVFD banquet at the Rockdale Junior High commons. Full Story